A New Tradition

Jason and I started a new tradition - I read to him while he drives when we go on trips. It gives us something we can do together and fills our mind with knowledge. Plus, Biscuit, the dog, likes to sit in the backseat and cry unless a)I'm signing to him (which no one wants to hear, but there's something about a mother's voice) or b) I'm reading out loud. So naturally, we have opted for reading out loud. Biscuit sleeps like a baby and we get to learn.

We are on our first book like this - 41. The story of George H. W. Bush as told by his son George W. Bush. I don't care what side of the political party you fall on this is a good read. It's not all about being a Republican or super conservative, it is about a man's life - a good man's life. We are only about halfway through but the things I have learned about his character are awesome.

Some could say that this has a slant to it because his son wrote it and there is probably some truth to that, but at the heart of the book is a much greater story. I really don't think George W. Bush, could publish something about his father and his father's friends, close friends, yes - even Democrats, if it wasn't true.

It's about a man who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he chose not to go to college straight out of high school, but rather serve our country in WWII. Came back, went to Yale, but instead of taking the easy road on Wall Street and a guaranteed lucrative career he opted to move his family to Odessa, TX where they lived in small home that shared a bathroom with a family whose mother was a lady of the night. Doesn't really seem like this is a man who took the easy way and lived a life of luxury to me, like so many claim. I digress, this isn't a post about politics.

Getting to Odessa - most people didn't even know what Yale was. He took a manual labor job in the oilfields and worked his way up. All the while, with his wife beside him.

So a couple of things I've learned from this book or things that I have always known but been validated even more. (This isn't even all of the things that this book can teach you)

1) Humility pays off  - being humble about your accomplishments will take you farther than anything, being humble attracts friendships and enables you to lift other people up because you aren't concerned about yourself. Sounds like a pretty solid Biblical principle to me.
2) Work hard and never give up - George H. W. Bush was faced with a lot of diversity but never gave up. He rolled his sleeves up and did what it took.
3) Being comfortable and not taking risks can hinder success
4) Be genuine, be a good friend, keep your word
5) Be willing to support your spouse no matter what (learned that one from Barbara Bush) - it pays off
6) Have integrity, do the right thing no matter what the cost

I'm sure that there are several other things that have filtered through my mind and heart while reading this book. The lessons in this book are many. While it may be about someone's life, I think it's more about the picture of what characteristics a successful person embodies.

If you haven't read it, and are looking for a good read, with valuable lessons - this book won't disappoint. 

The next one on our list is the American Sniper book - sure to be a good read as well.